A new piece of legislation making its way through the Florida Legislature could put an end to AI-powered gun detection in most public spaces. Senate Bill 562, filed by Sen. Blaise Ingoglia (R-11), would prohibit using artificial intelligence to detect firearms in public areas through cameras, video recordings, or live-streaming devices. A companion bill was also filed in the House by Rep. Monique Miller (R-33).
If passed, the bill would take effect on October 1, 2025, and violations would be considered a first-degree misdemeanor. This legislative move directly impacts Daytona Beach’s recent investment in the AI gun detection system ZeroEyes, which was designed to identify firearms in public places and alert law enforcement in real time.
Daytona Beach’s AI Initiative at Risk
According to a report by Mike Valente of WKMG News 6 ClickOrlando, Daytona Beach had recently decided to implement ZeroEyes in the Seabreeze Boulevard entertainment district and other high-traffic areas. The system would work by identifying firearms in surveillance footage and sending real-time alerts to a monitoring center, which would then verify the threat before notifying law enforcement.
Improving Public Safety?
Daytona Beach Commissioner Ken Strickland supports the initiative, believing it would improve public safety. “I think it’s a good idea. It could save lives,” he told News 6. The system is not designed to detect concealed firearms but rather weapons that are brandished in public. Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young also defended the technology, explaining that even if officers couldn’t prevent a shooting, the system could still help them quickly apprehend suspects.
Concerns Over Constitutional Rights
Despite the safety benefits described by Daytona officials, Sen. Blaise Ingoglia has taken a firm stance against the use of AI in gun detection, citing concerns over constitutional rights. According to Anthony Talcott’s article for ClickOrlando, Ingoglia posted on social media that such technology infringes on both the Second and Fourth Amendments.
“Utilizing AI to detect whether a law-abiding citizen is carrying a concealed firearm is nothing but a technological infringement upon both our 2nd and 4th Amendment rights,” Ingoglia wrote.
The Fourth Amendment, which protects citizens from unreasonable searches, is often brought up in debates about AI surveillance. Critics argue that allowing AI-powered systems to monitor gun owners could set a dangerous precedent, leading to government overreach and mass surveillance.
ZeroEyes Defends Its Effectiveness
In response to the bill, ZeroEyes’ Co-Founder and CEO Sam Alaimo defended the company’s work, arguing that the system has already played a role in multiple arrests in major cities. According to News 6, Alaimo stated, “Anyone who says we cannot do this at scale and do this effectively is mistaken.”
ZeroEyes claims that its technology is used to prevent gun violence before it escalates by providing law enforcement with early warning signs. However, the company now faces the challenge of convincing lawmakers that its system does not infringe on constitutional rights while still providing a much-needed layer of public safety.
Exemptions in the Bill
While SB 562 aims to ban AI gun detection in most public places, the bill does carve out exceptions for specific locations. As reported by ClickOrlando, these exemptions include:
- School campuses
- Police stations and sheriff’s offices
- Courthouses
- Detention centers, prisons, and jails
- Polling places
- Career centers
- Bars and businesses that primarily sell alcohol
- Airports
- Meetings of county commissions or school boards
These exemptions suggest that lawmakers recognize a practical use for AI gun detection in high-risk areas but do not want it to extend to general public spaces.
Gun Rights Advocates Weigh In
Gun rights activists are closely following the bill, with many supporting the proposed ban. Jared Yanis, host of Guns & Gadgets 2nd Amendment News, voiced strong opposition to AI gun detection, warning that it could lead to unconstitutional surveillance of lawful gun owners.
In a recent YouTube video, Yanis pointed out that Florida’s decision to install ZeroEyes came just weeks before this bill was introduced. He argued that while the system currently detects only brandished firearms, there’s little stopping similar technology from evolving into more invasive tracking methods, potentially targeting concealed carriers as well.
“If you’re legally carrying a concealed firearm, why should some government-controlled AI be scanning you?” Yanis asked. He warned that AI surveillance of gun owners could result in unreasonable searches and seizures, violating fundamental constitutional protections.
The Bigger Picture: AI and Government Surveillance
The controversy surrounding ZeroEyes is part of a larger national debate over the role of AI in law enforcement and surveillance. AI-powered security systems are already in use in stadiums, transportation hubs, and private businesses. Proponents argue that these systems enhance public safety, while critics fear they could expand government monitoring and erode individual freedoms.
Gun rights advocates worry that if AI-powered gun detection is allowed to operate unchecked, it could lead to the tracking and profiling of lawful firearm owners, creating databases that could later be used to restrict gun rights. The use of AI surveillance in public spaces remains a highly contentious issue, with no clear consensus on how it should be regulated.
What Happens Next?
Florida’s legislative session begins on March 4, when SB 562 and its House counterpart will be debated. If passed, the law would go into effect in October 2025, forcing cities like Daytona Beach to reconsider their investments in AI gun detection.
For now, the fate of ZeroEyes in Florida remains uncertain. On one hand, law enforcement and city officials see it as a valuable tool to curb gun violence. On the other, gun rights advocates and lawmakers believe it represents a step toward mass surveillance and government overreach.
Balancing Safety and Civil Liberties
The debate over AI gun detection presents a broader question: How do we balance public safety with personal freedoms? While AI-powered surveillance could help law enforcement respond faster to threats, it also raises concerns about privacy and government oversight.
Is preventing crime worth the risk of increased government surveillance? Or should we focus on law enforcement solutions that do not rely on AI? These are the questions Florida lawmakers – and eventually the public – will have to answer.
A Precedent in the Making?
If Florida moves forward with this ban, it could set a national precedent for other states considering similar legislation. As AI technology advances, the discussion around privacy, security, and gun rights will only grow more complex.
This bill is more than just a local policy debate – it’s part of a larger conversation about the role of AI in everyday life. Whether you support or oppose AI gun detection, one thing is clear: the technology is here, and it’s up to lawmakers, law enforcement, and the public to decide how – and if – it should be used.
A former park ranger and wildlife conservationist, Lisa’s passion for survival started with her deep connection to nature. Raised on a small farm in northern Wisconsin, she learned how to grow her own food, raise livestock, and live off the land. Lisa is our dedicated Second Amendment news writer and also focuses on homesteading, natural remedies, and survival strategies. Lisa aims to help others live more sustainably and prepare for the unexpected.